The new year is a great time to gather inspiration for improving your home. Maybe you’ve always been handy, or perhaps those home renovation shows on TV have inspired you to tackle some updates.
Doing home improvements yourself can save substantial labor costs while adding comfort and value to your home. But where should you start? It depends on what your home needs – as well as your time, talent and budget. Here are some simple DIY home improvements you can tackle in the new year to update and modernize your living space.
Freshen Paint
If you want to liven up a room for under $100, painting should be the first project to consider. Choose a quality paint in a pleasing color, purchase a decent roller and trim brush, cover the floors, and start rolling. The results are modern and invigorating.
If you don’t want to paint the entire room, paint an accent wall in a vibrant color that adds whimsy or warmth to the space.
A new coat of paint is complemented if you also…
Replace Trim
A new, thicker trim is a sure-fire way to make a room look more complete and richer. It takes a little patience and precision, but the result is well worth the effort. Think about adding wainscoting to the bottom third of your dining room or bathroom, and some trim between your wall and ceiling to accent the overall feel of the space. This renovation gives you a big return on investment.
Update Lighting
Nothing derails a room’s atmosphere like harsh lighting or outdated, dirty fixtures. Pick out sleek new lighting options and hang them yourself with the tools you most likely already have in your toolbox. Purchase some LED bulbs so you won’t need to change them often, and you’re all set. Enjoy how nice your warm, modern new lights look in your space.
Upgrade Cabinet Knobs
Older kitchens and bathrooms may not even have knobs on the cabinets, or they may be tarnished and outdated. Choose some new knobs based on your unique style and install them in minutes. This renovation helps create the overall look you are trying to achieve. Sleek and sophisticated, modern, warm and inviting, or fun and whimsical are all looks that kitchen and bathroom cabinet knobs can add. This addition is another one that won’t break your budget or your patience.
Speaking of kitchens…
Add A Backsplash
If the area behind the sink is plain and boring, jazz it up. For very little money you can add a cool backsplash that gives kick and class to your kitchen. Choose from budget-friendly, classic subway tile, tin, stacked stone, or one of the dozens of other choices. This home renovation needs precision to make certain everything is even, but the result is a completely different, upgraded look for your kitchen.
Replace Faucets
Those old faucets don’t add charm to your kitchen or bath. For little effort and cash, you can have shiny new, modern faucets. Measure your sink and figure out the size you need and hit up your local home improvement store to find something in your price range. In the matter of an afternoon, you can make a big impact.
Add Closet Organizers
Digging around in your closet for a missing tie or shoe is a sure-fire way to start the day off wrong. Nip this problem by renovating your closets. This is another DIY project that doesn’t have to cost a fortune. First, think about how you would like your closet to be laid out and then purchase the shelving that makes your idea a reality. With a measuring tape, hammer, and screwdriver, you’ll have what feels like an entirely new closet in no time. Begin each day fully dressed with no stress.
Starting the new year with home improvements on your mind doesn’t have to be daunting, and completing them doesn’t have to bust your budget. You can do a wide variety of projects yourself that make a real difference in the look and feel of your space. So pick one, take a deep breath, and dive in!
